Conan O'Brien films segments in Cuba for his show

Conan O'Brien filmed part of his TBS show in Cuba over the weekend. (Evan Agostini / Associated Press)

Conan O'Brien didn't appear on the "SNL40" special that aired on NBC Sunday night, even though he was a writer for the show in the early 1990s. But it turns out he has a good excuse.

O'Brien spent Presidents Day weekend in Cuba, filming bits to be aired on an upcoming episode of "Conan," according to the Associated Press.

The trip is part of the improved relations with the island nation located just 110 miles south of the Florida coast. Last December, President Obama announced a restoration of international relations between the two countries, opening up travel for the first time in decades.

Needless to say, O'Brien has become the first late-night talk show host to record bits for his show there.

In the announcement from TBS, the segments were described as "a rare glimpse into the daily life of a country not often seen by American viewers."